Ambergate: Pump n Pipe (29May 1996)

Including the ‘waterpump’ EMIT 1197 source audio

(Transcription from the original DAT tape)

On World Listening Day 2016 the location of the original ‘waterpump’ track (EMIT 1197), was revisited and a performance re-enacted with the remains of the now silent pump. A video recording was also made and is being released through Green Field Recordings.

The emotional intensity of the revisit and the strong memories that it evoked prompted me to return to the original DAT tape, which I recorded some twenty years ago on 29^th May 1996, at the same location. To my surprise there was over an hour of additional location recording and an improvisation, which I had totally forgotten about. 

To have a comparison of the soundscape of a location over a period of 20 years, admittedly at a different time of year, is certainly interesting and it is relevant as a document of acoustic archaeology. The re-discovery of an improvisation which has never been released from that time is also significant. Consequently I have decided to release the full audio of the DAT tape, save my introductory comments and some large glitches near the beginning. Other than that, the audio is presented virtually unedited and has been re EQ’d and level adjusted to be compatible with the contemporary recording made this year. A few minor glitches and ‘accidentals’ remain. I hope this minor ‘patina’ from the original recording does not spoil the enjoyment for the listener.

It still amazes me how good both the recordings and the intensity of the original soundscape were, and also the quality of my custom hand built in-ear mics, costing only a few pounds, still stand up alongside the more expensive equipment I am currently using. I stopped using the hand built mics as their life was short and unpredictable, many a good recording was ruined by mic failure only discovered when I listened to the recording afterwards - and they were a pain to make!

Video Clip

Included in this release is a short video clip from May 2012, showing the lake and the two remaining supports of the metal pipe that extended over the lake to the support that has the ‘deep water’ notice on it. The pipe was removed some years ago.

Notes on the Recording:

Recorded in binaural stereo optimised for headphone listening, using custom designed and built in-ear microphones powered from a custom designed power unit direct into a Sony D7 DAT recorder.

Notes on the Performance:

Representing an early stage in my development of environmental performance, ‘waterpump’ still stands as one of my best due to the minimal nature of my intervention and the remarkable qualities of the natural soundscape and the sonic signature of the pump source. This extended recording includes a series of longer walkabouts while exploring the magnificent rippling streams at the location at the time, and ends with an intuitive improvisation using a metal pipe that projected over the small lake nearby (see above and video clip). My performance style with the pipe at that time was more ‘percussive’ and ‘protorhythmic’, whereas I usually tend to be more restrained and minimal these days. This pipe no longer exists, making the improvisation even more historically poignant. 

Enjoy!

dallas simpson, 12/08/16

http://greenfieldrecordings.yolasite.com/audio-2016.php

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